Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 516 - 514

Chapter 516: Chapter 514

Shangguan Xuanyi quickly rode over on his horse.

Fu Ranhui tugged at Xiao’er’s sleeve: "Look, the Sixth Prince found out that you were on the sightseeing boat and came hurrying over, even though he couldn’t be bothered to come when Wanru personally invited him a few times earlier."

Xiao’er laughed at these words. What could she say? It was true that Shangguan Xuanyi was clingy in his free time.

However, she was aware that he had been busy these past few days. Therefore, in addition to wishing to keep her company, he probably also hurried over out of concern that someone might pick a bone with her.

As soon as Shangguan Xuanyi set foot on the sightseeing boat, the anchor was raised and the boat began to sail.

Fu Ranhui tactfully made up an excuse and left the two alone.

"To where is this boat sailing?" Xiao’er asked while absorbing the refreshing river breeze and taking in the scenery on both banks.

"The Cangjie Temple," Shangguan Xuanyi replied, smoothing her hair which was being tousled by the breeze.

"The Cangjie Temple? Why are we going there? I thought we were supposed to appreciate refined elegance. Isn’t visiting temples a measure of feudal superstition? When did it become refined elegance?"

"Every year during the Grain Rain day, the Cangjie Temple hosts a temple fair, attracting tens of thousands of people from all corners. A grand and lively ceremony for welcoming the spiritual tablet of Cangjie into the temple and a formal memorial ceremony will be held. There will also be a plethora of parade performances such as Yangge dances, firecracker play, martial arts demonstrations, dragon and lion dances, grand opera performances, etc. These are all done to express our respect and yearning for Cangjie. Many troupes and businesses will also participate in the gathering. It is incredibly lively."

"Cangjie? As in the legendary inventor of Chinese characters, Cangjie?" Xiao’er suddenly remembered who Cangjie was.

Shangguan Xuanyi nodded in response.

"It ought to be quite a sight then." She was quite eager to experience this kind of temple fair with strong ethnic color.

Shangguan Xuanyi had attended once and agreed that it was worth seeing. However, he was not a fan of the crowd and never went back again.

"There will be a lot of people there, remember to hold onto my hand tight and don’t get lost," Shangguan Xuanyi warned.

Exactly because of the anticipated crowd, Shangguan Xuanyi had left his work to come here, fearing that Xiao’er might get bumped into by the crowd.

"The Sixth Prince really cares a lot about the Lady of Rui’an County. I’ve sent someone to invite you several times, but you couldn’t care less. When I said the Lady of Rui’an County was coming too, you hurried over immediately," Shangguan Wanru walked over and said.

The two turned their heads to look at her.

Shangguan Xuanyi remained silent.

Xiao’er greeted her, "Princess Wanru."

Princess Wanru didn’t expect Shangguan Xuanyi, who was as silent as a gourd, to reply.

Thus, she walked up to take Xiao’er’s hand: "Lady of Rui’an, let’s play the violin. It’s boring standing here with my gourd-like cousin, isn’t it?"

Xiao’er: ...

Princess Wanru, though your words are true, they’re too straightforward and can be hurtful.

Shangguan Xuanyi wordlessly ignored her comments. "Let’s go inside. It’s not good to be out in the wind for too long."

Princess Wanru loved to play. She led Xiao’er inside the cabin while Shangguan Xuanyi followed behind. Observing the two of them hand in hand, he suddenly felt a twinge of jealousy. When would he be able to openly hold hands with this girl?

The sightseeing boat had two levels. The entire boat was decorated with lanterns and ornaments. Impressive calligraphy adorned the vermilion columns, and pink gauze adorned the window edges. The entire boat appeared luxurious but retained a soft beauty.

Inside the cabin on the first level was a stage, where men and women were currently seated separately, watching the dancing girls perform.

Princess Wanru signaled for a pause, and the dancing girls left the stage.

"It has been many years since I have returned to the Imperial Capital for some fun with my sisters. Since we are all here today, shall we play a game?"

All were adolescents who loved to play, and naturally, everyone nodded in agreement.

"Lady of Rui’an, do you have any suggestions?" Princess Wanru turned to Xiao’er.

Xiao’er recalled the popular party game in modern society, Truth or Dare.

"How about we try a new game? This game is called Truth or Dare."

"Truth or Dare, it sounds very exciting. How do we play?" Princess Wanru asked eagerly.

Everyone else also turned to look at Xiao’er, apparently curious.

"Exactly, Lady of Rui’an, how do we play Truth or Dare? I’m sick and tired of always playing Hot Potato and Pouring Wine!"

"Exactly, Lady of Rui’an, quickly tell us how to play. Otherwise, the boat will dock soon."

It was only after Xiao’er mentioned the game of Truth or Dare and deliberately swept her gaze over Gong Qinghua, noticing a flash of curiosity in his expression, that she could breathe a sigh of relief.

As long as he wasn’t a old acquaintance it was good!

She was truly worried that fate would deal her a hand where it would be a case of fellow countrymen meeting and shedding tears of mutual recognition!

"The rules of Truth or Dare are ..." Xiao’er explained the simplest rules of Truth or Dare.

Princess Wanru immediately ordered someone to bring a deck of playing cards and a wine jar.

The playing cards were sold in Xiao’er’s toy shop.

As there weren’t many people, the men and women mixed and sat on opposite sides of a long table. After confirming the number of participants, the game began.

In the first round, Xiao’er coincidentally drew the king card. She spun the wine jar on the table, and the jar’s spout stopped, pointing at Shangguan Xuanhao.

A mischievous smile bloomed on Xiao’er’s face: Just wait, I will take my revenge for all the times you bullied me!

"Truth or Dare?"

Shangguan Xuanhao saw Xiao’er’s expression and had a bad feeling.

"Can I quit now?"

Xiao’er: "What do you think?"

"Coward!" Shangguan Xuan Jun scoffed.

"Absolutely not!" Shangguan Wan’er said festively with her eyes narrowed.

"I was only joking! Don’t take it seriously, everyone! Sweetie, I treat you well, don’t I?" Shangguan Xuanhao looked at Xiao’er pleadingly as he spoke the last sentence.

"What do you think?" Xiao’er said ambiguously, her expression halfway between a smile and a frown.

"Lady of Rui’an, deal with him harshly. Who asked him to tease us all the time!"

"Yes, yes! We can’t let him pass too easily!"

How disliked must this person be? Everyone was against him!

Taking advantage of his lack of martial arts! Shangguan Xuanhao thought to himself resentfully, "What is Truth? What is Dare?"

"Truth is: What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done? And you can’t lie! Those who lie are puppies!"

"Yes, no lying!" Princess Wanru agreed vigorously.

Everyone was watching him intently!

What a joke! How could he let people know the most embarrassing thing he had done!

Shangguan Xuanhao looked around at everyone who was waiting to laugh at him and decisively chose Dare.

A man ought to have a spirit of adventure! Dare it is then! He wasn’t afraid of climbing knife hills or descending into sea of flames!

"Run three laps around this table, and while running, say ’I am a pig, a big silly pig!’"

Pffft! Several men choked on their tea!

So this is what they call a Dare? The challenge seemed to be rather unique. However, the game itself was indeed intriguing.

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